At Kosen, Tampa’s Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, wine and cuisine came together for the Unfiltered Dinner Series, a collaboration between Sommelier Zachery Groseclose and Chef Alex Chamberlain, featuring Oregon’s acclaimed 00 Wines.
“We developed this series to highlight exceptional producers making exceptional wines from exceptional terroirs,” said Groseclose, introducing the dinner. “From Chef Alex’s side, it’s about techniques that augment our Japanese ingredients.”
Chef Alex Chamberlain detailing the butter-poached flounder with buttermilk beurre blanc and caviar, paired with the 2023 Kathryn Hermann Cuvée and 2023 Richard Hermann Cuvée Chardonnays.
Founded by Chris and Kathryn Hermann in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, 00 Wines has earned a reputation for its precision-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crafted through methods inspired by Burgundy. The Hermanns are known for their “black Chardonnay” technique, embracing controlled oxidation to create wines defined by texture, tension, and minerality.
Founders Chris and Kathryn Hermann of 00 Wines.
Kosen’s culinary philosophy made it a natural host for the dinner. The restaurant’s focus on sustainability, fermentation, and minimal waste mirrors 00 Wines’ detailed, site-specific approach to viticulture. Under Executive Chef Andrew Huang, Kosen practices zero-waste methods through an in-house fermentation program that turns unused ingredients into syrups, vinegars, and misos. Chef de Cuisine Alex Chamberlain, trained in classical French and Nordic kitchens, carries that ethos into dishes that emphasize balance, and seasonal produce.
Squab pithivier paired with the 2023 Shea Vineyard and 2023 Star Vineyard Pinot Noirs from 00 Wines’ Singularity Series.
The five-course tasting menu featured wines from the Family, Assemblage, and Singularity series, each reflecting a different facet of Oregon terroir. Groseclose described the 2022 VGW Chardonnay as “full of green apples and lemony citrus, with just a touch of hazelnut and briny minerality—powerful and compact.” It was paired with a tarte flambée layered with celeriac and truffle. He noted the 2022 VGR Pinot Noir for its dark berry fruit, violet, and spice with a hint of saline minerality, poured alongside foie gras mousse with pink peppercorn brioche and fine herbs.
It is encouraging to see restaurants like Kosen creating space for producers of this caliber and building more opportunities for serious wine conversations in Tampa Bay.
Opening date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Reservations:OpenTable or call 727-498-6735
A New Chapter for Bin6South
After a brief hiatus, Bin6South will reopen Friday, November 21 under new leadership with Wine Director Nanci Rosen and Executive Chef Joe Nelson, and a renewed focus on fine wine, technique-driven cuisine, and polished service.
The team calls it an “elevated experience,” blending Bin6South’s reputation for discovery-driven wine lists with a menu that’s both refined and adventurous.
What’s New
Guests will notice a few thoughtful changes when doors open again:
Early-bird common table: Available 4 – 6 PM by reservation, ideal for a more social, small-plate setting.
Outdoor expansion: Four new tables under retractable awnings expand the patio, first-come, first-served.
Tasting nights: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Bin6South will host themed tastings of wines from around the world for a small fee (waived with discounted bottle purchases), paired with a concise menu of small bites.
From Thursday through Saturday, the restaurant returns to full dinner service featuring wine, sake, and beer, with rotating dishes that highlight new culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Menu Highlights
Bin6South’s on-site garden supplies fresh herbs and edible plants used in the kitchen.
Chef Nelson’s fall menu reads like a study in contrast and texture—rustic ingredients meeting modern precision. A few standouts include:
Elk Yukhoe with Korean pear and cured duck yolk
Papardelle Rippiene, a filled pasta layered with ricotta, maitake powder, and black garlic cream
Blue Crab with fermented guacamole and black quinoa-masa chips
Octopus with garlic toum, duck-fat potatoes, and lemon-mint vinaigrette Desserts range from Death by Chocolate to Gunkan Roll with fruit caviar and mint foam.
Holiday Tradition Returns
Bin6South’s beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes returns on Christmas Eve 2025, an eight-course seafood and wine pairing dinner that sells out early each year. Seatings at 5:30 and 8:00 PM | $200 per person (tip not included). Reserve via bren@bin6south.com.
Final Sip
The reopening of Bin6South feels like a restoration of balance in St. Pete’s fine-wine scene. With Nanci Rosen guiding the wine program and Joe Nelson in the kitchen, the restaurant’s next chapter marks a confident return, led by a team with a clear vision for what fine wine and dining can be in St. Pete.
A new chapter for local readers begins this Saturday, November 8, when The Book Lounge officially opens its doors at 2210 Central Avenue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first 100 customers will receive tote bags filled with “bookish goodies,” marking the debut of a family-owned bookstore that’s already making waves in St. Pete’s creative community.
Founded by Natalya Calleja and her daughter Pamela, a University of South Florida St. Petersburg student, The Book Lounge was born out of a shared love of reading that spans generations. In a recent interview with The Crow’s Nest, Calleja said she wanted her team to reflect the diversity and creative spirit of St. Pete, so that “our people, our community, and our customers see themselves in our staff.”
Inside, visitors will find a curated selection of fiction titles only, along with affordable wine, coffee, sweets, and a lounge-style setup designed for students and locals to relax, read, or play board games. Community game nights will be held every Thursday, and Calleja plans to host author signings, trivia nights, silent reading sessions, and craft-based workshops like book-nook building and bookmark making.
It is also a space built on legacy. Pamela first began selling “blind date with a book” bundles at local markets, wrapped novels paired with small treats that helped fund the family’s dream of opening a permanent shop. Calleja told The Crow’s Nest that the store is meant to be a haven for connection and empathy, echoing the comfort of the game nights and stories shared in her own home.
Photo by Pour & Decor.
Later this month, The Book Lounge will team up with Pour & Decor for its first signature event, Wine a Little, Read a Lot: Book Fair for Grown-Ups, on November 20 from 6 to 9 p.m at Pour & Decor. Guests can expect wine, local vendors, and a nostalgic twist on the school-day book fair with a distinctly St. Pete flair.
St. Petersburg’s pioneering natural wine bar and bottle shop, CellarMasters, has officially closed. The news marks the end of a five-year run that helped shape the city’s modern natural and low-intervention wine scene.
CellarMasters’ infamous Champagne bathtub.
Owner Ryan Rugg confirmed the closure to the Tampa Bay Times, saying, “the business is done.” The team also shared the update on Instagram, writing:
“Sorry folks, due to less than financially viable pass-thru and patronage… we out. Thanks for the party times, truly. But also think about your commitments to others in the future, because it means the world to them and their employees… 5/20/2020 – 10/15/2025. Really sorry I failed you all… won’t happen again – Ryan.”
Opened in 2020 by Rugg and Kory Lynn, CellarMasters quickly became a gathering place for wine lovers who appreciated its unfiltered energy and approachable style. The concept combined retail and lounge spaces.
The shop was among the first in St. Pete to focus entirely on natural and minimal-intervention wines. Its influence can still be felt across the city’s newer bars and hybrid shops that followed.
CellarMasters was known for their wide selections of wines by the glass.
Rugg told the Times that hurricanes, new competition, and declining sales contributed to the decision to close. Even with those challenges, he reflected on what the team accomplished:
“We captivated a younger clientele at a time that was important, and hopefully that lives on.”
For many in St. Pete’s wine community, it will. CellarMasters was more than a place to drink wine. It helped define how the city approaches wine culture today.
From Beach Drive to Bay Street, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant is preparing to bring its award-winning Spanish wine program and tapas culture across the bay. The new restaurant, set to open at International Plaza and Bay Street in summer 2026, will blend the lively spirit of its St. Pete location with a refreshed, modern space designed for sharing plates, stories, and sangria.
“Each of our restaurants proudly hold a Wine Spectator Award, and that commitment to excellence remains steadfast,” said Lee Karlins, President of Caledon Concepts. “At our newest, higher-volume location, we continue to elevate the standard of wine service through the integration of technology and thoughtful precision. From meticulously selected stemware to flawlessly accurate digital wine lists, every detail reflects our dedication to providing an unparalleled guest experience.”
The new space will feature a large open bar, modern design, and spacious patio seating meant to encourage connection. “Enjoying wine is, by nature, a social experience,” Karlins said. “Our open design fosters the lively interaction and convivial atmosphere that define the best Spanish tapas traditions.”
While the menu will stay true to Ceviche’s classic approach, Executive Chef Horacio Salgado shared that guests can expect a few fresh additions. “We might offer some larger portion tapas and a small lunch menu with new Spanish-inspired sandwiches, or bocadillos, along with variations of a Spanish taco, empanada, and possibly a pulpo tostada,” he said.
Salgado added that tapas dining itself embodies the restaurant’s spirit: “Traditionally, small plates originated as a practical way to keep flies out of drinks, with bartenders covering glasses with a tapa, or lid. Those who topped their lids with the most enticing bite quickly became the most popular establishments. We strive to capture that same spirit of creativity, warmth, and joy in every guest experience.”
A look inside Ceviche St. Pete, where Spanish wines and tapas meet the energy of Beach Drive.
Ceviche’s Beach Drive location in Downtown St. Pete will continue operations as usual. The Tampa Bay expansion marks a new chapter for the beloved Spanish brand, one rooted in the same commitment to community, cuisine, and wine that earned it Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.
Stay updated on Ceviche’s opening and more local restaurant news at This Week in Wine.
86 Wine Bar brings natural wine, small plates, and vinyl grooves to MLK North
A soft glow spills through the arches at 86 Wine Bar, the newest addition to the stretch of MLK North where locals stop for beer at Golden Isles or dinner at Sunset Grille. Inside, the space hums with conversation, records spinning, and the feel of something built by hand.
Designed with simplicity and calm in mind, 86 Wine Bar draws from Japandi minimalism to create a space that feels timeless and welcoming.
The name is a quiet nod to the industry. “86” is restaurant shorthand for taking something off the menu. For owner Kendra Hardesty, it became a personal phrase for stepping away from the pace of service life to build something slower and more deliberate.
They opened quietly over the weekend, welcoming neighbors who had watched it come together for months. Hardesty, who spent years working in hospitality, built the bar with her partner and general manager, Shane Richard Schuch. Both live nearby, and the bar reflects that closeness to place and people.
“We wanted to be in our own neighborhood,” Shane said. “If we could open a wine bar right here, that’d be fantastic. So here we are.”
From Industry Life to Independence
The couple’s backgrounds in food and beverage shaped everything about the space. Shane worked in kitchens and behind bars across the city, while Kendra’s time at Café Clementine in the Museum of Fine Arts honed her focus on detail and integrity in service.
She credits that team for teaching her the kind of precision she carried into opening week. “Everything they touch is done with integrity, innovation, and attention to detail,” she said.
Respect the Fruit
For Shane, the draw to natural wine comes down to care and intention. He talks about lower intervention, biodynamic practices, and producers who work sustainably, people who, as he puts it, “just care about the soil and the grapes.”
“They’re usually smaller producers from all over the globe,” he said. “When you just have grapes in a bottle, it’s a fermented natural thing. They can be cloudy, bubbly, elegant. They can be everything wine can be.”
The wine list focuses on small producers working in low-intervention styles, a reflection of the values that first drew them to natural wine.
Natural wine has already made its way into other corners of St. Pete, from Smallbar to CellarMasters. 86 brings that same energy north, pairing a neighborhood setting with a hands-on, DIY approach to hospitality.
Design that Tells a Story
The look of the bar came together slowly, shaped by Kendra’s design research and their shared taste for modern simplicity. The aesthetic is Japandi, a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism.
Hardesty reimagined the “86” motif through arches — a softer, more inviting take on the tombstone shape she first sketched out.
“We joked about doing tombstones,” Kendra said. “Then thought, let’s bring in that shape in a less macabre way. So we did arches instead—a more playful version of being ’86’d’.”
Local artists Joe Frontel and Jeremo designed the bar’s wilted-flower wine-glass logo, a visual anchor that’s already made its way onto merchandise. The space takes on a different glow at night, the light from the arches making the bar feel like its own little world.
Wine, Bites, and Vinyl
Behind the bar is a small raw setup: oysters with housemade hot sauces, seasonal crudos, and shareable plates.
Music plays a big role. Shane, who also DJs, built out the system himself and curates the vinyl collection. “There are no TVs,” he said. “It’s about hearing music from all around the world, sharing a bottle, and having conversations.”
The shelves will keep filling as Shane’s record collection grows.
They plan to host chef takeovers, sommelier-led tastings, and guest DJ nights as the bar settles in, creating space for collaboration and community.
Final Sip
86 Wine Bar feels like it belongs here. It is personal, handmade, and shaped by two people who have spent years in hospitality, now doing it on their own terms. It is a space that favors connection over flash and conversation over noise.
Their first collaboration, 86 Wine Bar × NADA Wine, takes place October 10 from 5 p.m. to midnight, featuring natural wines, small bites, and vinyl grooves at 2930 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St N, Unit B. It is a glimpse of the creative, community-focused energy they are bringing north.
It’s new, but it already feels like part of the rhythm of the block.
“We’re just stoked,” Shane said with a grin. “We’re tired, but stoked.”
Sabrina D’Alba is a writer and editor based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She explores how people connect through wine, place, and community, telling stories that capture the spirit of St. Pete’s growing wine scene.
Bin6South, one of St. Pete’s most intimate food-and-wine spots, closed after service on September 13.Owners Bren Ankrum and Dr. Donna Hargrove announced they will use the coming weeks to refresh the space, complete maintenance, and fine-tune their concept before reopening in mid-November, just in time for the restaurant’s three-year anniversary.
With only 12 seats and a focus on intimate, tasting-room style dining, Bin6South quickly became a favorite for its curated wine list and personal atmosphere.
In their statement, Ankrum and Hargrove said the goal is to return as “Bin6South version 2.0”, with an elevated level of wine service and culinary innovation:
“We will now take the necessary time to make the changes to our model to further reinforce the positive aspects while striving to eliminate areas of concern and, fundamentally, ‘up our game.’”
Bin6South is targeting mid-November for its relaunch, aligning with its original opening date (November 22) and three-year milestone.
Looking for half-off bottle nights in St. Pete? This is a growing list of restaurants, bars, and lounges with wine-forward programs offering 50% off wine bottles throughout the week.
TL;DR: A natural wine bar and indie bookshop where certified pros pour thoughtful, global picks—perfect for curious sippers who like their glass with a side of literature.
Shelves lined with stories—some corked, some bound.
Vibe
Bookish and intimate with a natural wine lean—ideal for solo visits or low-key get-togethers. It shifts from bright and airy by day to cozy and quiet by night, with cushioned outdoor seating if you want to bring your pet.
Extras
~150 bottles from 12+ countries, a rotating “Somm Select” chalkboard pick, and a curated by-the-glass list (most under $15). Espresso bar, light snacks, and shelves filled with books that favor diverse voices.
💡 Tip: Skip the grocery store aisle and grab a bottle here that’ll actually start a conversation.
TL;DR: A micro-sized bar with a mighty bottle list, Bar Chinchilla pours 50+ bottles by the glass—many offbeat, global, and hard to find.
A peek inside Bar Chinchilla before opening.
Vibe
St. Pete’s smallest bar packs charm into a compact space—casual, softly lit, and ideal for solo sipping or date-night drop-ins. Indoor and sidewalk seating make it feel tucked away, even downtown.
Extras
50+ wines by the glass, with styles ranging from Italian classics to lesser-known bottles from Slovenia and Morocco. Beer drinkers will find a bold, Belgian-leaning list.
💡 Tip: Ask about the off-menu picks—or let the team surprise you.
TL;DR: A refined French bistro with a deep, Old World–leaning wine list and a menu built for pairing—ideal for long lunches, date nights, or an elevated happy hour downtown.
Bacchus, the god of wine, watches over it all.
Vibe
Rustic French bistro energy tucked just off Beach Drive—dim, elegant, and lined with bottles. High-top seating only, both indoors and out, with a spacious patio for people-watching.
Extras
Nearly 100 bottles with a French core—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône—plus Italian and California standouts. ~30 by-the-glass options ($10–$20), and a bottle wall worth browsing. Light bites, cheese, dessert, and espresso round things out.
💡 Tip: During happy hour, $20 gets you two glasses and a charcuterie board—rare for downtown.
Mon–Fri, 2–6pm (10–15% off for members, free to join)
Hours
Mon–Thurs: 12–9pm Fri–Sat: 12–10pm Sun: 12–9pm
💻Wi-Fi
🔌 Outlets Scattered
🐕 Dogs Allowed
TL;DR: A relaxed beer-and-wine shop with loungey energy, family vibes, and a global shelf you can drink from for just five bucks more.
Hawthorne’s bottle wall spans the globe, and the staff picks are a great way to try something new.
Vibe
A cozy Central Ave hangout with wine, craft beer, and casual charm. By day: laptops and locals. By night: friends under bistro lights, the occasional live set, and wood-fired pizza from the onsite pizza truck on weekends.
Extras
~75 global wines and 100+ beers; all bottles can be opened on-site ($5 corkage). Flights available ($25). Sandwiches and snacks served daily; Cipolla Rossa pizza Thurs–Sun.
💡 Tip: Sample a few pours before you commit—staff are happy to help you land on the right glass.
Curious for more? We’ll be revisiting each of these spots in upcoming posts—talking to owners, tasting through flights, and going deeper into the bottle.
